'" "."'"'"'" • Page Two Purely Cbmmentary By PHILIP SLOMOVITZ PRESENTING A WEIZMANNIST Call us Weizmannist, if you wish. In some quarters it has been interpreted as "defeatism" so to align oneself with the former president of the World Zion- ist Organization. Your Commentator be- lieves, however, that history will vindi- cate the stand of the group which, like himself, now s in the Minority. What is Weizmannisin? It represents a desire to negotiate with the British, even though we must call their policies "enemy tactics." It is a complete repudiation of the extreme ele- ments who, willy-nilly, give comfort to terrorists and terrorism. It is a desire to achieve peace and security in Palestine through uninterrupted conferences. Actually, negotiations are going on, and even those who voted with the slim majority against the Weizmann viewpoint are now conferring with the British in London. It is the only way of arriving at solutions, and we can not abandon it. Will the British continue to betray a sacred trust in Palestine? The battle goes On against betrayals. But it must be won without losing our tempers and thereby defeating our own purpose. Furthermore, we have no right to give comfort to that small group in Palestine ("demented desperadoes" is what the Jewish Agency has called them) whose brazen forms of defiance are contrary to established policies of the recognized Jewish forces in Eretz Israel. Rabbi Jacob B. Agus recently made a good case against the terrorists, in an article in the Reconstructionist. Writing under the appealing title "End the Ter- ror!" Rabbi Agus made this important point: "Historical parallels are very popular among those who refuse to recognize the perfect analogies in our own his- tory. So they say, 'did not the Irish gain their freedom through terroristic methods?' The answer is that the Irish fought and lost. Britain crushed the revolt of the Irish first; then she grant- ed them in 1922 virtually the same status she was willing to give them in 1916. Today, Britain has offered inde- pendence to India; yet, if the Hindus should revolt and try to obtain inde- pendence by force, Britain will un- doubtedly fight them, for she cannot afford to retreat in the face of force." There will be as little unanimity on this viewpoint as we have on all issues affecting Irgtrnists' defiance of Jewish traditional law and Jewish self-disci- pline in Palestine. But the point that needs to be made is that Dr. Chaim Weizmann is right when he opposes de- structive methods in fighting against ty- ranny in Palestine. Dr. Israel Goldstein, in his address in Detroit last week, challenged the Weizmann view with the declaration that there are Zionists, rabbis among them, who have their own interpretation of what is and wliat is not Jewishly ethical in the resistance movement. In this in- stance, our vote is on the Weizmann side: that it is not in consonance with Jewish principles to condone extremism. Our view is that resistance is proper and desirable, provided that it is short of taking lives, destroying property or resorting to hold-ups. Therefore, we are for Haganah but can not tolerate Irgu- • nism. • • • MORGENTHAU AND ZIONISM A trio, composed of a Jew, a Christian and an Arab, has been inserting full-page advertisements in the N. Y. Herald Tribune allegedly in opposition to Zion- ism. Actually, these advertisements were outrageous displays o_: anti-Semitism. In a letter to the Herald Tribune, Elisha M. Friedman, eminent historian and an authority on Zionism, refuted statements made by this trio. He es- pecially repudiated attempts to quote 30- and 40-year-old statements by men like the late Jacob H. Schiff and the late Henry Morgenthau Sr. Mr. Friedman presents factual data to show that Mr. Schiff had aided the Zionist cause. With reference to the elder Morgenthau who passed away several weeks ago, Mr. Friedman wrote: "In my several conversations in the last few years with Mr. Morgenthau, he disavowed his opposition to Zionism in view of the tragic murder of six million Jews in Central Europe." In view of the known militant opposi- tion to Zionism by the elder Morgenthau a generation ago, this statement is of particular interest for, the sake of com- plete historical accuracy. It is important also at this time in the interest of the United Jewish Appeal, the general chair- manship of which is held by Henry Mor- genthau Jr., whose strong stand in sup- THE JEWISH NEWS Friday, February 7, A Singing People Music Festival Stirs Response By GEORGE PERRY In response to the demands of hundreds of organizations, musical groups, syna- gogues and community centers which last year participated in Jewish Music Week, the Jewish Music Council, sponsored by National Jewish Welfare Board and representing 54 National -Jewish organizations, has announced a "Jewish Music Festival" lasting one month—from Feb. 7 to March 6. In 1945, when for the second year the Jewish Music Council launched its music project "to foster and coordinate the Jewish musical activities in as many commun- ities as possible," it was unprepared for the nation-wide, and even world-wide re- sponse to its program. Jewish Music Week was observed, according to reports that reached the Council, in Shanghai, South America, Bombay and India. In the U. S., the response of the Jewish community was instantaneous and overwhelming. Coming as it did amidst times of turmoil for the Jewish peOple, the response of the participants in the 200 organizations and music groups assumed the aspect of a burning protest carried out through a musical medium—Jewish music. Two events which served as "curtain raisers" this year, augur well for the suc- cess of "Jewish Music Festival." Following action of the Synagogue Council of America Feb. 1 was set aside for services dedicated to Jewish music. Another event that sparked the "Festival" was the Jewish Festival program planned by the JWB Metropolitan Jewish Music Council, in New York. Interest in the Jewish Music Festival, organized by the JWB sponsored Na- tional Jewish Music Council, will be heightened this year by the announcement of a competition for the best musical composition. The Council will award a prize of $1,000 for the best work of symphonic dimension; $500 for a chamber orchestral work; and $500 for a musical play suitable to be performed by young people in the form of an operetta or dramatic narrative for use on Jewish festivals in cen- ters and "Ys." Funds for.the prizes have been made available by the the Morgen- stern Fund of the Cleveland Jewish Community Council and the Esco Fund. Between You and Me By BORIS SMOLAR (Copyright, 1947, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Inc.) THE PALESTINE PICTURE Although Dr. Chaim Weizmann is" no longer president of the Jewish Agency, it is interesting to note that Colonial. Secretary Arthur Creech - Jones is pri- vately discussing the Palestine issue with him ... The Colonial Secretary has vis- ited Dr. Weizrnann at least three times since the World Zionist 'Congress . . Whether the present informal talks be- tween the Zionist leaders and the British government will leac_ to definite results is still not clear because of the attitude of Foreign Secretary Bevin, who is not friendly to the Jewish demands . .. The British government strongly desires a positive outcome of the Conference on Palestine, satisfactory to all parties .. . From what is going on behind the scenes it is apparent that Britain is willing to increase the present immigration quota to admit 80,000 Jews to Palestine within two years . . . It also is ready to grant wider independence to Jews in Palestine by giving them what the British gov- ernment calls "administrative partition" . . . On the other hand the British pro- pose the payment of considerable repar- ations to the Palestine Arabs. • . . They By ARNOLD LEVIN By PHINEAS J. BIRON also insist on the safeguarding of Eng- (Copyright, 1947, Independent Jewish (Copyright, 1947, Seven Arts) land's interests in Palestine and on the Press Service, Inc.) I continuation of British rule there. . . . PLEASE NOTE BEVIN All in all, it amounts to a modified "fed- A privately owned skating rink, "The eralization plan." . . . Some members of Zionists who regarded Bevin as willing to learn, have learned otherwise in the Icelandia" in Toronto, refused admis-1 the Cabinet feel that such a plan can be past few days . . . Arthur Creech-Jones sion to a young Jeivish girl because— imposed upon both the Jews and the also has caused some disappointment be- she was Jewish . . . The Jewish corn--; Arabs regardless of their objections, and cause of his statement in Commons im- munity is surprised and aroused. that the plan could obtain the approval plying that Britain considered outlawing • • • of the United Nations. the Jewish Agency. Those who have la-, NOTHING TO LAUGH AT • • • bored with him in pre-cabinet days still Newsreels treat the Georgia Guber-; DOMESTIC AFFAIRS contend, however, that he is a staunch Anti-Semitism as a serious American friend of Zionists, determined to sway natorial crisis humorously, and audien- the cabinet to take a pro-Jewish State ces have a good time when the news-1 problem will receive its first thorough line ... His threat in Commons, they say, i commentator jokes about it ...News Edi- cinematic examination in the production was necessitated by his position, however tors should have known better . . . We of the screen version of "Gentleman's it hurt him to make the threat ... Should might remind them that as late as No- Agreement," a novel by Laura Z. Hob- Bevin's cardiac condition bring about his , vember 18, 1946 Herman Talmadge spoke' son currently appearing as a serial in resignation, Hugh Dalton is almost cer- at a Ku Klux Klan barbecue held in Cosmopolitan Magazine. . . . 20th Cen- tury-Fox has bought it for production tain to replace him . . . Dalton's know- the Municipal Auditorium of Atlanta. this year. . . . The story deals with a • • • ledge of foreign affairs is proverbial, writer who receives an assignment to do while Bevin might falter in the simplest RATHER STRANGE geographical quiz . . . Dalton's is the' The Protestant magazine in its current a Jew with shattering consequences to strongest pro-Zionist influence in the issue gives the impression that Pierre his own life. ... A similar novel, "Focus", British government today. van Paassen's recent resignation as con- by Arthur Miller, was bought for the • • • tributing editor had nothing whatsoever screen last summer by King Bros., but HOLLYWOOD to do with the resignation of Joseph plans for its production are still nebu- The American League for a Free Pales- Brainin as associate editor . . . This lous. Bing Croslry-'s production of "Abie's tine is meeting up with competition in might well be so .. But strangely enough . Hollywood where Harry Steinberger, of both editors resigned on the same day— Irish Rose," which is considered by Jew- ish organizations as furthering prejudice, the American Zionist Emergency Coun- if not for the same reason. was no great success in New York. . . . cil, has been scouting around the past few • • • It ran on Broadway for only a few weeks. weeks organizing support from the movie' MORE THAN DISPLACED The word "Jew" as a verb will be de- colony behind the Council. Ben Hecht has Isaac L. Asofsky, executive director of leted by the publishers from the next made Hollywood League-conscious. • • HIAS, reporting on his tour of Europe edition of Roget's Thesaurus where it • where he studied the Jewish DP situa- appears as a synonym for libelous words. MAIL The Universal African Nationalist We have just received our first issue of tion, said that the word "displaced" is a Judische Rundschau (Jewish Review) I misnomer . . . He described the refugees Movement, a pan-African Negro organi- published by and for the liberated Jews as "deserted, dejected, destitute, des- zation, is conducting extensive anti- of Germany . . . The tattered and shat- I poiled, despondent, desperate, despised, Semitic propaganda activities among the tered DP community issues an excellent I disillusioned, defeated and deceived" per- Negro population of New York. United Sons of America, a Klan-like paper, that might serve as an example ; sons .. . Mr. Asofsky also praised the to some affluent and secure Jewish corn- 1 Polish government for its unremitting Detroit group, is planning more activity for 1947. fight to end anti-Semitism. munities in America. Heard in The Lobbies Strictly Confidential port of the settlement of Jews in Pales- tine is so well known. • • • BEST JUDICIAL TIMBER This column makes it a rule not to dabble in politics. But, as you know, there are exceptions to the rule which. often make 'the rule—and this is the ex- ceptional instance found most interest- ing and most deserving. It involves the candidacy for the Cir- cuit Judgeship of William Friedman, eminent community lea- r.s. — der, native Detroiter who has gained the respect and friends'hip of thou- sands who appreciate his qualities and who es- pecially admire him for his fairness, his judicial temper, his intelligence, honesty and knowledge of the law. Of particular interest- Al in the career of thisJudge Friedman a splendid leader, who made. such fine record on the bench, is that he is the only Detroit Jew who has been able to approach the record by the late Judge Harry B. Keidan. Judge Keidan' was a natural vote-getter who often led the entire field of judges during political campaigns. Judge Friedman, by receiving more than 300,000 votes in the last elec- tion (he lost the election by only a few thousand votes), approached the mark set by Judge Keidan. It was symbolic of the esteem in which he is held by the en- non-Jews tire community, Jews and alike, and is an indication of the strength of his position for the Circuit Court Judgeship in the forthcoming election. BROADWAY GOSSIP Milton Berle, whose decision to take to the airwaves left that Copacabana job for Danny Kaye, will preview perform- ances of his new radio show in children's hospitals in the New York area . . . A different one each week. Arthur Mayer and Joe Burstyn, dis- tributors of "Open City," are going into production in Italy with Roberto Ros- sellini, director of the classic Italian anti-fascist film. Jules Munshin, of the "Call Me Mis- ter" cast, is packing them in at New York's Cafe Society Uptown. Kirshna Nehru, Pandit's sister, took in the show the other night . . . Her raves join many others, including the New York Stock Exchange Club's . Jules is getting their plaque as the best comic to emerge from the armed forces ... Watch this lad, he's headed for stardom. It's a boy, their third, for the Albert E. Kahns . . . LIe's the former Dartmouth track star, a former Detroiter, more re- cently president of the Jewish People's Fraternal Order, I.O.W., and co-author of "The Great Conspiracy Against Rus- sia." • WELL DONE edition of final The fourth and "American Jews in World War II" is now in preparation ... This two volume saga of Jewish participation in the war has been written oy Irving Kaufman, a well- in both the known correspondent European and Pacific theaters of war ... It is based on the scrupulously authen- ticated material compiled by the War Records Bureau of the National Jewish Plant a Tree Inspired by Current Observance of Hamisha Asar b'Shevat By DR. N. E. ARONSTAM Plant a tree, plant a tree, Dry for once your tears; The New Year of the Trees hath come, Cast aside your fears! The forest sings a paean, The tree tops greet the sun; The dew drops glisten and sparkle As if by gold threads spun. Plant a tree, plant a tree— Behold the tree shall grow Together with your growing hopes; You shall reap as you will sow! The groves intone a choral, Wreathed in garlands green; And shadows play with sunbeams Trem1ing figure on a screen. Plant a tree, plant a tree, Dry for once your tears; The New Year of the Trees bath come, Cast aside your fears! Welfare Board .. . Facts like these are good weapons against "patriotic" bate.. merchants. • • • DID YOU SNOW That the Jewish population in Pales- tine has increased by 165,000 in the past seven years—or 33% since the outset of the war ... Half of this is accounted for by immigration and the other half by natural increase . . . The present Jewish population totals 630,000 as compared with 455,000 in 1939 .. . It is l times greater than in 1919.